In a moment of glory that has been two decades in the making, the Indian U20 women’s football team has booked their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup, breaking a long 20-year wait. The last time the women in blue graced the continental stage was in 2006, but their journey to the tournament began much earlier, with their best-ever finish coming in 2004 when they reached the quarterfinals. Now, after years of effort, the team has earned another shot at continental success.
The historic qualification came after India defeated hosts Myanmar 1-0 in their final Group D match in Yangon. The victory secured India’s position at the top of their group with seven points, ensuring they qualified for the 2026 AFC U20 Asian Cup. The win was a product of a disciplined defensive campaign in which the team did not concede a single goal in their first two matches. They had earlier drawn 0-0 with Indonesia and delivered a commanding 7-0 win over Turkmenistan.
The decisive goal against Myanmar was scored by winger Pooja in the 27th minute of the match played at Yangon’s Thuwunna Stadium. The build-up to the goal reflected the team’s fighting spirit. It was Pooja herself who initiated the counterattack, driving down the right wing before delivering a cross. The Myanmar defenders failed to clear the ball, and Neha on the opposite wing took possession. She sent in a looping cross that found Pooja once again, who had arrived near the goalmouth. Using her body, she bundled the ball across the line, sparking celebrations among her teammates.
From that moment onward, India managed the game with determination. Swedish coach Joakim Bernt Andersson guided the side with a strategy that balanced attack and defense. Myanmar pushed hard for an equaliser after the break and came close on several occasions. Early in the second half, India’s Neha sent a sharp cross to Sibani Devi, but the forward could not convert from close range. Myanmar’s Su Su Khin had a chance in the ninth minute after the restart, but India’s defense held firm.
The Indian goalkeeper Monalisha Devi was a standout performer. She made a vital save in the 48th minute to deny Su Su Khin and later, with just 10 minutes left, she swatted away a dangerous header from Moe Pwint Phyu. That header had struck the upright, and the rebound rolled dangerously along the goal line before being cleared. Moe had another golden opportunity in the 90th minute but struck the woodwork, allowing India to breathe a sigh of relief.
India, too, created chances late in the match. Off a counterattack, Sibani crossed to Sulanjana Raul, whose header hit the bar. The near miss did not dampen the team’s spirits, and they held their ground until the final whistle to seal their spot in Thailand for the 2026 edition.
The result was met with joy and pride, both on the pitch and back home. The victory not only showcased the team’s growing tactical maturity but also highlighted the emergence of young talent in Indian women’s football. It underlined the hard work of players, coaches, and support staff who have been striving to build a competitive side for years.
The All India Football Federation recognized the achievement by announcing a prize of $25,000 for the squad. For the players, the monetary reward is secondary to the honor of representing the country on one of the biggest stages for youth football in Asia.
This qualification carries symbolic weight beyond the sport itself. It reflects the steady rise of women’s football in India, an area that has often struggled for attention and resources compared to the men’s game. For the young women who have worn the blue jersey, this is a reward for their dedication, often in the face of limited infrastructure and opportunities.
Looking ahead to the 2026 AFC U20 Asian Cup in Thailand, expectations will be high. The team will have to face stronger and more experienced opponents, but their unbeaten qualification run offers a glimpse of their potential. With continued support, exposure to international competition, and a belief in their abilities, the women in blue have every chance to make a mark on the continental stage.
As the final whistle blew in Yangon, the players celebrated together on the field, their joy uncontainable. It was more than just the end of a match. It was the culmination of years of effort, the breaking of a long drought, and a sign that Indian women’s football is moving forward with purpose. For fans and aspiring young players across the country, the message was clear. The wait is over. The women in blue are back.
